Tarot cards have been around forever—or at least long enough that I remember them as something people turned to for fortune-telling or mystical guidance. But recently, I’ve noticed a shift. It’s not just spiritualists or New Age enthusiasts using tarot cards—Gen Z is all over it. The generation raised on smartphones and social media is diving headfirst into this centuries-old practice, but why is that?
One of the biggest draws for Gen Z is that tarot cards encourage a moment of reflection. Life today moves fast—there’s social media, constant notifications, and the pressure to keep up with everything. Tarot, in contrast, gives people a reason to slow down, shuffle the deck, and think about what’s really going on in their lives. Instead of quick fixes or instant answers, tarot encourages deeper thinking and introspection, which can be surprisingly refreshing for those navigating the chaos of modern life.
While my generation (hello, Millennials!) grew up with a mixed relationship to traditional religion (my mum threatened to throw away my Magic: the Gathering cards because she deemed them “satanic”), Gen Z is embracing spirituality on their own terms. Tarot fits into this perfectly. There’s no doctrine, no rules to follow—it’s a personal tool for self-discovery. Whether they’re drawing cards to make sense of a tough decision or simply using it to understand their emotions, tarot offers flexible guidance without the weight of formal religious structures. For a generation that values freedom and individuality, tarot provides just that.
Something I find really admirable about Gen Z is that they are way more open about their mental health than previous generations, and they’ve normalized conversations around therapy, anxiety, and self-care. Tarot is a natural extension of this emotional openness. The cards might not give you all the answers, but they offer a way to think through challenges, validate emotions, and gain perspective. It’s almost like a low-key therapy session with yourself, helping you work through life’s ups and downs with a little more clarity.
And let’s be real—tarot cards are visually gorgeous. If there’s one thing Gen Z knows how to do, it’s curate a vibe, and tarot cards offer all the aesthetic appeal they could want. From minimalist black-and-white decks to vibrant, bold designs, tarot is as much about the art as it is about insight. Gen Z loves self-expression, and there’s a deck out there for everyone, whether you’re looking for LGBTQ+ representation, social justice themes, or simply something that looks great in your Instagram feed.
But here’s what’s really pushed tarot into the Gen Z mainstream—social media. You can find tarot readers all over TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, sharing daily card pulls, tutorials, and full-on readings. You don’t need to visit a mystical shop or pay a psychic; tarot is right there in your pocket, ready to offer advice whenever you need it. It’s become super accessible, and Gen Z has fully embraced it, mixing tarot with their digital routines like it’s no big deal.
So, is this just another short-lived trend? Honestly, I don’t think so. Tarot taps into something deeper—self-reflection, emotional exploration, and a desire for a more personal approach to spirituality. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and fast-paced, tarot offers a rare chance to slow down, check in with yourself, and get a little guidance. It’s not about fortune-telling; it’s about finding clarity and connection in a way that feels meaningful.
At the end of the day, tarot isn’t just a pretty deck of cards or a passing fad for Gen Z. It’s a tool for navigating their own thoughts, feelings, and journeys, all while adding a little magic to the mix.
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